Mid-Week Intermission Staff Edition: Donald Gallaspy

Everyone knows Austinites love their restaurants, and our Event Operations Manager is no exception! In today’s Mid-Week Intermission, meet Donald Gallaspy, one of our behind-the-scenes folks making Long Center events safe and fun for everyone, as he takes you on a tour of his favorite spots to eat right now.

Donald, a tall white male with long brown hair, smiles, standing outside in a red and blue striped shirt
Just a quick headshot while I search for the cat.
Greetings All,
This is Donald Stuart Gallaspy III — feel free to just call me Donald.

I am sure at some point I will naturally become just “Don” — but not yet. I think it happened to my uncle around his 50th. I’ve been in Austin since 2004, and found my passion for non-profit work right after graduating from St. Edward’s University in 2008. I spent time at The Contemporary Austin and West Austin Youth Association before landing at the Long Center. I feel like I’ve found a great home here, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a dynamic organization.

As Manager of Event Operations, the safety and security of our guests, vendors, staff, and performers is my highest priority. I’m truly thankful to have inherited such a fantastic security team, many of whom have been at the Long Center for over ten years. Most of them still have their original ID badges, which impresses me to no end. You may not always see us, but we are always onsite making sure everyone stays safe and has a great time while here.

Back in 2014, with The Zoltars warming up at Beerland.

There is also a tiny chance you may recognize me as the drummer for The Zoltars. We spent almost ten years trying to charm Austin audiences with our own blend of downer pop before the pandemic scattered us back around the country.

I may or may not have a ton of unsold CDs and LPs I would be happy to unload if you know anyone interested.

What piques my curiosity? It’s simple…

Will the San Antonio Spurs win 25 games this season and make Greg Popovich the most winningest NBA coach of all time?

Just kidding, no curiosity there, because I know they will. Fingers crossed.

The airy, light interior of Musashino
Musashino Sushi Dokoro
The striking, red interior of Barlata
Barlata

Honestly, what keeps me excited to live in Austin is the food. I love to cook, and I live to eat. I’m always looking for great restaurant recommendations and new recipes. A short list of my favorite spots include Winebelly, Musashino Sushi Dokoro, and most recently, Barlata. I just picked up Catalan Food — a fantastic cookbook by the Daniel Olivella of Barlata. The first dish I tried was so good — a simple but delicious chickpea and spinach stew — that I haven’t made it much further yet. I finally got a reservation at Sammie’s Italian for February and cannot wait to see what they have to offer. On the rare days I don’t head straight home to start dinner, I swing by La Moreliana Market in South Austin. they sell a grilled half chicken with all the fixings for $8 and it’ll blow your mind. No link to that one, they don’t have a website so you know it’s good.

I’m thrilled to see what 2022 has in store for us all and I hope everyone can soon feel safe enough come join us for a show. From UV filters in the AC system, professional EMTs onsite, security checks at our front door, and much, much more, we’re doing everything possible to make sure our guests have a safe and exciting trip to the Long Center.

young Donald points excitedly at a piece of NBA memorabilia
Super thrilled about the NBA Jam handheld game on Christmas morning.
Thank you for reading, we hope to see you soon. And most importantly…
Go Spurs Go
Donald

KEEP IN TOUCH

At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.

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